Source: Jane-athome.com
The best advice I have for friends whose children are preparing to leave home is to just let yourself feel all the feelings. Shed your tears for the end of this chapter. Respect and cherish your life’s seasons, but don’t get stuck there; allow the next chapter to begin.
God loves us too much to let us stay where we are. He’s always nudging us forward and working things out for our highest good. If you stay open, this stage of life can be an amazing time of growth and new possibilities. This is your opportunity to reinvent yourself and start fresh.
You could:
1. VOLUNTEER
I can’t think of a better way to move past heartache than by reaching out and helping others who are in need, whether it’s an elderly person who could use some groceries or company, a neighbour who is going through a hard time, or a teacher who needs an extra pair of hands in the classroom.
2. TRAVEL
An empty nest provides the perfect opportunity to start planning trips to places you’ve always wanted to see. I’ve found that planning and looking forward to a getaway is almost as much fun as the actual trip!
3. EXPAND YOUR CULINARY SKILLS
This is the perfect time to broaden your home cooking or baking skills, try out new recipes, and discover new cuisines. Now you can use all those ingredients your children didn’t like!
4. DECLUTTER YOUR SPACES
I’ve found that having too much stuff – even if it’s hidden behind a closet door – affects my energy and creativity. Decluttering our home every few months helps clear out the mental cobwebs and gives me a new outlook on life.
If you need some encouragement and motivation to declutter and get organized, read my post on “How to Declutter Your Home.”
5. GET CREATIVE
An empty nest provides the perfect opportunity to explore or rekindle a love of hobbies like painting, calligraphy, knitting, pottery making, woodworking, sewing… the possibilities are endless!
Almost everyone I know (myself included!) would like to improve their photography and photo editing skills, whether that involves learning how to use all the features on their phone or mastering the fancy digital camera gathering dust in a closet.
There are hundreds of online courses available through sites like Teachable, as well as local college classes, and free tutorials on YouTube sharing tips on whatever creative outlet you choose.
6. PUT PEN TO PAPER
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an author? Now’s the time to start writing! You never know who is waiting to hear what you have to say.
7. START A BLOG
Blogging is another great way to connect with others and share your ideas, experience, and creativity. It’s also a wonderful incentive to learn new things!
8. PLANT A GARDEN
There’s something about getting your hands in the dirt, nurturing plants, and seeing them thrive that is so satisfying! On the same note, having potted plants and flowers indoors and on your porch (verandah) can bring new life to your home.
9. TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS
After becoming an empty nester, I took my love of interior design, writing, cooking, health, and travel and poured it into a blog and business. I think this one step, more than anything else on this list, helped me find a new sense of purpose as an empty nester.
10.TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE AND RELAXATION
Now’s your chance to enjoy some downtime, spend time sitting in the garden, appreciate the sunrise or sunset, and take long baths (without the children banging on the bathroom door!)
Or, you might want to catch up on some binge-worthy TV series.
11. FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH
My emotions were up and down as I adjusted to life as an empty nester (menopause didn’t help either!). At this time of life, it’s also a great idea to see your doctor or naturopath to make sure your diet and hormone levels are in balance.
12. EXPRESS GRATEFULNESS
I’ve noticed I’m happiest when I focus on what’s going well in my life, rather than what’s not, so every day I try to write down (or at least think of) 10 things for which I’m grateful.
13. INVITE SOMEONE FOR A MEAL
Gathering people around the dinner table is one of my favourite things to do – especially now that we have an empty nest.
14. CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
I’ve met some of the nicest women in the home décor community over on Instagram, but you might prefer YouTube, Facebook, or Pinterest.
[Reconnect with old friends, too from whom you might have become estranged while busy raising your children]
It’s so easy to neglect friendships while we’re busy raising our children, but an empty nest provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your friends — perhaps at a local coffee shop or even on the phone. One of the many benefits of being an empty nester is that now you can enjoy long conversations without interruption!
15. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
When my daughter told me about a free language-learning app called Duolingo, I downloaded it on my phone and started taking French lessons, as my husband and I had plans to visit.
Now, instead of scrolling through social media in the evening, I spend a few minutes learning something new!
16. GET IN SHAPE
This is a great time to begin taking daily walks or hikes, add some strength training to your routine, take tennis or golf lessons, join a gym, or get some exercise DVDs from Amazon and work out at home.
